Protecting Your Rights in the Workplace
California law protects employees in a wide range of scenarios that often arise in the workplace. Employers often get away with an assortment of unfair practices simply due to their power over their employees. This can range from anything from unpaid overtime and meal breaks to sexual harassment by a supervisor. Fortunately, California provides some of the strongest protections for workers in the United States, and understanding your rights under California employment law is crucial. At KF Law, our experienced employment law attorneys in Los Angeles and throughout California are committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of California’s labor laws.
Key Areas of California Employment Law
1. Wage and Hour Laws
California has some of the most comprehensive wage and hour laws in the country, designed to ensure fair compensation for all workers. These include:
-
Minimum Wage: California’s minimum wage is higher than the federal standard and varies by city and county. Our attorneys can help ensure that you’re paid at least the legal minimum wage.
-
Overtime: California law mandates overtime pay for employees who work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. Employees must be compensated at 1.5 times their regular rate for overtime, with double-time pay required for work over 12 hours a day.
-
Meal and Rest Breaks: Employees are entitled to regular meal and rest breaks. We can advise you on your entitlement and assist if an employer violates these rights.
2. Discrimination and Harassment
California law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on several protected characteristics, including race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and more. Employees have the right to:
-
Equal Treatment: Employers must provide equal treatment in hiring, promotions, job assignments, and compensation.
-
A Harassment-Free Workplace: Sexual harassment, racial harassment, and other forms of workplace harassment are illegal. If you’re being subjected to harassment, we’re here to help you take action.
-
Reasonable Accommodations: Workers with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform the essential duties of their job.
3. Wrongful Termination
California is an “at-will” employment state, which means that employers can generally terminate employees at any time for any lawful reason. However, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of the law or a contract. This includes:
-
Retaliation: If you were fired for reporting workplace violations, whistleblowing, or participating in an investigation, you may have a claim for retaliation.
- Discrimination: If you were fired because of your protected characteristic, including race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and more, you may have a been termination in violation of California law.
-
Violation of Public Policy: If you were fired for refusing to engage in illegal activities or for exercising certain legal rights (e.g., taking family leave or reporting workplace safety violations), we can help protect your rights.
-
Breach of Contract: If your employment contract specifies conditions under which you cannot be terminated, we can assess whether your termination violated that agreement.
4. Family and Medical Leave
Under both California law and federal law (FMLA/CFRA), eligible employees are entitled to take unpaid leave for serious health conditions, the birth or adoption of a child, or the need to care for a sick family member. Our attorneys can guide you through the eligibility requirements and the process for requesting leave while ensuring your job is protected.
5. Employee Misclassification
California law is particularly strict regarding employee classification. Misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees can lead to significant legal consequences for employers. Additionally, many workers are entitled to join class actions to recover wages and benefits owed to them by employers. If you believe you’ve been misclassified or are part of a larger issue affecting other employees, we can help you understand your rights.
Why Choose Us?
At KF Law, we are passionate about defending the rights of employees across California. Our attorneys are experienced in handling a wide range of employment law matters and provide personalized legal counsel to individuals. We have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
We understand that employment law issues can be stressful, confusing, and, at times, overwhelming. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of California’s ever-changing laws with confidence. We are dedicated to providing you with the support you need to make informed decisions about your legal rights and options.
Contact Us Today
If you are facing issues with your employment rights or need legal advice on California’s employment laws, KF Law is here to assist. Overcoming this uneven power dynamic on your own can be intimidating and overwhelming. KF Law knows how to even the playing field and return your rightful compensation to you. Our attorneys offer free initial consultations to help you understand your legal standing and the steps you can take.
Call us at (213) 290-6464 or email us through the prompt below to schedule an appointment. Let us be your trusted advocates in the workplace.